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Messy Mondays (Grades K-4)

Monday, July 13, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Join us on the Library Lawn for some tactile art. Dress for mess! For grades K-4, registration required. In case of rain, event will be cancelled.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Registration Required
Program Description:

Join us on the Library Lawn for some tactile art. Dress for mess! For grades K-4, registration required. In case of rain, event will be cancelled.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

Green dragon reading a book.

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join us for stories, songs, and lots of movement in this fun and engaging, interactive story time! For ages 0-6, with caregiver.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Join us for stories, songs, and lots of movement in this fun and engaging, interactive story time! For ages 0-6, with caregiver.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

Mahjong tiles

Mahjong 101 (Beginner Level)

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Ready to learn the game that everyone is talking about? Join Dee Dee, instructor with The Mahjong Society, for a fun and social introduction to American Mahjong. 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Registration Required
Program Description:

Ready to learn the game that everyone is talking about? Join Dee Dee, instructor with The Mahjong Society, for a fun and social introduction to American Mahjong. 

Photo of a group of people, seated outdoors listening to a storytime.

Stories in the Forest at Trailside (Ages 0-6)

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Off Site
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

Storytime in the Garden (Ages 0-6)

Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

Film poster for Pat and Mike

Film Lover Fridays

Friday, July 17, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're highlighting the famous screen partnership of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Program Description:

Join other movie lovers on the third Friday of each month to watch classic films. This season, we're highlighting the famous screen partnership of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

Photo of 3 stuffed animals, a seal, a cat, and a dog.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover at the Library! (Grades PreK-4)

Friday, July 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Children's Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Kids

Drop off your favorite stuffed animal for a fun slumber party with S'more, Gelato, and Cheesecake, then look online for pictures of all of their fun activities!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Children's Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Registration Required
Program Description:

Drop off your favorite stuffed animal for a fun slumber party with S'more, Gelato, and Cheesecake, then look online for pictures of all of their fun activities!

Disclaimer(s)

​​​​​​​Material Pickup Required

This program requires materials to be picked up at our service desk prior to the program.

STEM Club Summer Edition: Gardening (Grades K-4)

Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Join us for a special Saturday edition of STEM Club. 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Learn & Connect, STEAM
Registration Required
Program Description:

Join us for a special Saturday edition of STEM Club. 

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

Tan-colored sign that reads "Antiques and Collectibles"

Antiques Appraisal

Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Antiques dealer Rex Newell makes his annual visit to the Library to appraise the value of your old treasures, just like on Antiques Roadshow!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Registration Required
Program Description:

Antiques dealer Rex Newell makes his annual visit to the Library to appraise the value of your old treasures, just like on Antiques Roadshow!

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Monday, July 20, 2026 at 9:00am - 9:30am
Fireside at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, STEAM
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each week and include craft or activity supplies. Available on a first come, first served basis.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Fireside
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM
Program Description:

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each week and include craft or activity supplies. Available on a first come, first served basis.

Disclaimer(s)

​​​​​​​Material Pickup Required

This program requires materials to be picked up at our service desk prior to the program.

Mini Messy Mondays (Ages 2-6)

Monday, July 20, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join us in the library garden for some tactile art, while supplies last. Dress for mess! For ages 2-6 with a caregiver. In the event of rain, program will be cancelled.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Program Description:

Join us in the library garden for some tactile art, while supplies last. Dress for mess! For ages 2-6 with a caregiver. In the event of rain, program will be cancelled.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

Green dragon reading a book.

Tuesday Tales (Ages 0-6)

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join us for stories, songs, and lots of movement in this fun and engaging, interactive story time! For ages 0-6, with caregiver.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Join us for stories, songs, and lots of movement in this fun and engaging, interactive story time! For ages 0-6, with caregiver.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

RFPL Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Library Board
Age Group:
Everyone
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Everyone
Program Type: Library Board
Photo of a group of people, seated outdoors listening to a storytime.

Stories in the Forest at Trailside (Ages 0-6)

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Off Site
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

Painted Plant Pots (Grades 5-12)

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
STEAM
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Celebrate our Summer Reading theme "Plant a Seed, Read!" by painting a plant pot! Plants to go in pots will be provided. Registration required.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: STEAM
Registration Required
Program Description:

Celebrate our Summer Reading theme "Plant a Seed, Read!" by painting a plant pot! Plants to go in pots will be provided. Registration required.

Disclaimer(s)

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

Psychedelic Bob Dylan poster from the 1960s

Summer Concert Series: Terry White & The Loaded Dice Play Bob Dylan

Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment
Age Group:
Adults & Seniors

Get your lawn chairs ready for the return of our annual outdoor concert series! This month, we're paying tribute to the only songwriter ever to win the Nobel Prize in Literature: Bob Dylan.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment
Program Description:

Get your lawn chairs ready for the return of our annual outdoor concert series! This month, we're paying tribute to the only songwriter ever to win the Nobel Prize in Literature: Bob Dylan.

Storytime in the Garden (Ages 0-6)

Friday, July 24, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Enjoy the outdoors and fresh air in this energetic storytime in the Library garden. For Ages 0-6 with a caregiver. In case of rain, program will be moved indoors.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

Teen Take & Makes (Grades 5-12)

Monday, July 27, 2026 at 9:00am - 9:30am
Fireside at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, STEAM
Age Group:
Tweens & Teens

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each week and include craft or activity supplies. Available on a first come, first served basis.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Fireside
Age Group: Tweens & Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, STEAM
Program Description:

Pick up a program in a bag kit to enjoy at home! Bags will be different each week and include craft or activity supplies. Available on a first come, first served basis.

Disclaimer(s)

​​​​​​​Material Pickup Required

This program requires materials to be picked up at our service desk prior to the program.

Messy Mondays (Grades K-4)

Monday, July 27, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Age Group:
Kids

Join us on the Library Lawn for some tactile art. Dress for mess! For grades K-4, registration required. In case of rain, event will be cancelled.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Learn & Connect, STEAM
Registration Required
Program Description:

Join us on the Library Lawn for some tactile art. Dress for mess! For grades K-4, registration required. In case of rain, event will be cancelled.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

A photo of 2 women jumping with their arms up.

Bird of a Feather Concert (Families)

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Library Lawn at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Families

Join Birds of a Feather, a superduo consisting of two kids music luminaries - Brooklyn's, longtime children's music pioneer, Suzi Shelton and Filipina-American Little Miss Ann of Chicago, for a concert on the Library Lawn.

Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Library Lawn
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Learn & Connect
Program Description:

Join Birds of a Feather, a superduo consisting of two kids music luminaries - Brooklyn's, longtime children's music pioneer, Suzi Shelton and Filipina-American Little Miss Ann of Chicago, for a concert on the Library Lawn.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

Photo of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labradoodle.

Read to a Dog, Read with Me (Grades K-4)

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Kids

Join library staff and PAWSitive and read to a dog! This exercise allows emerging readers to get comfortable practicing with the best listener around, a dog!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Learn & Connect
Registration Required
Program Description:

Join library staff and PAWSitive and read to a dog! This exercise allows emerging readers to get comfortable practicing with the best listener around, a dog!

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Photo of a group of people, seated outdoors listening to a storytime.

Stories in the Forest at Trailside (Ages 0-6)

Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Off Site
Program Type:
Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Learn & Connect, Storytimes
Program Description:

Join the River Forest Public Library and Trailside Museum staff at the Trailside Museum of Natural History for a free “Stories in the Forest” program! Meet at the outdoor Nature Play Area Gazebo by the Museum.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Early Childhood Programs

This program is designed for young children to attend with a caregiver. Please plan to be engaged with your child during this program. Children under age 5 must be in the immediate supervising vicinity of a caregiver at all times while at the library. 

A photo of a river with trees in the background and kayaks with people.

Kayak with the Library! (Families)

Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect
Age Group:
Families

We're partnering with the Forest Preserves of Cook County! Kayak on Thatcher Glen Pond at the Trailside Museum with members of the Children's staff! Children 5 and up and their adult can join us on the pond in a tandem kayak!

Offsite Event
Location: Off Site
Age Group: Families
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Learn & Connect
Program Description:

We're partnering with the Forest Preserves of Cook County! Kayak on Thatcher Glen Pond at the Trailside Museum with members of the Children's staff! Children 5 and up and their adult can join us on the pond in a tandem kayak!

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults for Children's Programs

Children age 7 and younger must have a caregiver (age 12 or older) with them at all times while at the library, including during programs. Children may not be left unattended at the library unless they are age 8+.

Messy Program Alert

This program involves getting messy. Please wear appropriate clothing.

​​​​​​​Material Pickup Required

This program requires materials to be picked up at our service desk prior to the program.

Puzzle pieces

Jigsaw Puzzle Race

Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Barbara Hall Meeting Room at River Forest Public Library
Program Type:
Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Age Group:
Everyone, Adults & Seniors

Test your puzzle speed in a timed competition! Teams of 2-4 people will each be given the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. The team that completes the puzzle first, or gets closest within 2 hours, will be the winners. Pizza will be served.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Location: River Forest Public Library
Room: Barbara Hall Meeting Room
Age Group: Everyone, Adults & Seniors
Program Type: Culture & Entertainment, Sponsored by River Forest Township
Registration Required
Program Description:

Test your puzzle speed in a timed competition! Teams of 2-4 people will each be given the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. The team that completes the puzzle first, or gets closest within 2 hours, will be the winners. Pizza will be served.